Ladder Safety App

For Everyone

Key points

The Ladder Safety App is designed to improve extension and step ladder safety. Ladder safety should be a priority for any ladder user, on or off the job.

About

The Ladder Safety App is designed to improve extension and step ladder safety. Ladder safety is a concern for anyone completing a task that requires a ladder because of the risk of falling.

NIOSH Ladder Safety App used with ladder
Using smart phone technology, the app delivers ladder safety tools, information, reference materials, and training resources.

Download

Important update

The NIOSH Ladder Safety App is not receiving updates at this time. NIOSH is evaluating options to resolve this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Download for free at Apple Store and Google Play available in English and Spanish (adaptive to which language is set on your device).

User's Manual is also available: iOS (En español) Android (En español)

How it works

The app provides user-friendly guidance and interactive tools to prevent major causes of falls.

Angle Measuring Tool

Uses visual, sound, and vibration signals to make it easier for users to set an extension ladder at the proper angle and to check the verticality of extension and step ladders. The proper angle is about 75 degrees.

Selection Tool

Provides a procedure to select the minimum required ladder duty rating corresponding to user characteristics and task.

Inspection Tool

Includes a comprehensive checklist for ladder inspection and setup

Proper Use Tool

Presents a set of rules for safe ladder use in a user-friendly format.

Accessories Tool

Describes a number of available extension ladder safety accessories.

Using smart phone technology, the app delivers ladder safety tools, information, reference materials, and training resources to individual ladder users. The app is available in English and Spanish as a free download for Apple iPhone/iPad and Google Android devices.

Reviews

Users have provided high ratings of the app, which has also been promoted by state officials, industry leaders, and safety professionals. Many companies have incorporated the use of the app as part of their safety policy. It has also received considerable international attention.

Learn more

Book chapters

Ladder Safety – Research, Control, and Practice Fall Prevention and Protection: Principles, Guidelines and Practices CRC Press: October 2017 / :241-270 chapter 15

Fall Risk Associated with Restricted and Elevated Support Surfaces Fall Prevention and Protection: Principles, Guidelines and Practices CRC Press: October 2017 / :119-140 chapter 9

Journal articles

Evaluation of a "walk-through" ladder top design during ladder-roof transitioning tasks Applied Ergonomics: March, 2017 / 59(Pt A):460-469

Content Source
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: October 22, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: October 20, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.